Russia Urges Diplomatic Settlement of Hormuz Dispute, Warns on Settlements

New York, September 26, 2026 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said repeated armed confrontations in the Gulf region have caused clear damage to global shipping and trade, calling for restored trust between Iran and Arab Gulf states and a settlement of the Strait of Hormuz dispute through political and diplomatic means to strengthen regional security and stability.

Speaking on behalf of his country on Saturday at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Lavrov said Moscow supports a return to previous understandings between the United States and Iran, pointing to the Islamabad Memorandum previously reached between the two sides as a foundation that could be revisited to resume dialogue and advance de-escalation efforts. He affirmed Russia's readiness to contribute constructively to achieving stability in the Middle East.

On Ukraine, Lavrov said continued Western military aid to Kyiv is obstructing efforts toward a political settlement, accusing Europe of seeking to block peace talks pursued by the Trump administration. He emphasized Moscow's continued commitment to negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable and just peace.

Russia's foreign minister reiterated his country's support for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on UN resolutions, noting that the Security Council approved a Gaza ceasefire plan roughly a year ago, yet peace has still not been achieved. He described the humanitarian situation as dire, warning that conditions in the West Bank continue to deteriorate.

Lavrov cautioned that continued Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank could ultimately make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible, given the shrinking geographic space available for it. He stressed that the time has come to ensure the establishment of a Palestinian state, calling it the principal issue in the Middle East, and underscored the importance of implementing UN resolutions and reviving the political process based on a two-state solution.

Turning to the international system, Lavrov said global politics is undergoing fundamental shifts toward a multipolar order, calling for renewed commitment to the UN Charter and the principle of equal and indivisible security, while opposing any state or group of states seeking to enhance its own security at the expense of others.

Russia also voiced support for expanding the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America on the Security Council, noting Moscow's backing for Brazil and India as candidates for permanent seats. He called for the United Nations to play a central role in discussions on international information security.

On artificial intelligence, Lavrov called for rules governing the use of these technologies to be based on equality and the participation of all nations, affirming Russia's support for a Chinese initiative aimed at establishing an international organization for cooperation on artificial intelligence.

Source: QNA